Calculators for ACT

Permitted Calculators

Prohibited Calculators

• calculators with built-in computer algebra systems
  Prohibited calculators in this category include:
  • Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the TI-Nspire CAS—
    • Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
  • Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G
  • Casio: Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300 and ClassPad 330, and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970Ghandheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including PDAs
• electronic writing pads or pen-input devices—Note: The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted.
• calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices
• calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format)
  • Note: Letter keys not in QWERTY format are permitted.

• The ACT Math test is 60 problems in 60 minutes, so you have an average of one minute per problem.
• Writing directly on the exam booklet is allowed. The margins in the exam booklet are your "scratch" paper!
• The problems are arranged from easiest to hardest, according to how likely the test-writers think it is that you'll miss any given problem.
• Try to spend 1 minute or less on each problem the first time through the test. Some problems will take you less than a minute, so with this strategy you should have some time left at the end. Go back to problems you’ve skipped or want to check again.
• You don't lose any points for guessing, so be sure to mark an answer for every question. Use the last few minutes of the exam to mark an answer for every problem.